Sussex reptile rescue launches urgent appeal for permanent home

The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is searching for land, a building or other long-term premises in West Sussex as it looks to expand its rescue, rehabilitation and education work.

A reptile rescue charity based in Bognor Regis has launched an urgent appeal to find a permanent home for its growing operation.

The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre currently runs from a family home and cares for around 25 reptiles, including royal pythons, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, tortoises and a boa constrictor.

Founded in 2024, the registered charity rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured, abandoned and unwanted reptiles, while also promoting responsible ownership through education and community outreach.

As it approaches its second anniversary, the charity says it has reached the point where it needs an independent base if it is to continue growing.

Its new “Forever Home” campaign is seeking suitable land, buildings or other long-term premises arrangements across West Sussex.

The charity is appealing to landowners, farmers, businesses, colleges, charities, community organisations and local authorities which may have underused facilities or space available.

Founder and Operations Manager Benjamin Checkley said: “Since starting the Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre in 2024, we have been incredibly fortunate to be able to operate from my family home. It has allowed us to establish the charity, help reptiles that need us and build our work within the local community.

“However, as we approach our second anniversary, we have reached the point where the charity needs a home of its own if we are going to continue developing what we do.

“We are calling it our Forever Home campaign because we are not simply looking for more space. We want to find somewhere where the charity can put down roots, develop proper facilities and build a sustainable future for reptile rescue and education in Sussex.

“We know that the right opportunity may come from somewhere we haven't considered, which is why we are asking people to share our appeal. A landowner may have an unused building, a business may have surplus space, or another charity or community organisation may see an opportunity to work in partnership with us.

“If you think you might be able to help us find our forever home, we would genuinely love to hear from you.”

The charity says it is open to considering a range of options rather than one specific type of property.

Possibilities could include land where suitable facilities could be developed, agricultural or farm buildings, unused commercial or community premises, space within an existing organisation or a partnership with a landowner.

Access to electricity and water would be particularly important because reptiles require carefully controlled heating, lighting and environmental conditions.

The search is mainly focused on Bognor Regis, Arun and surrounding parts of West Sussex, although the charity says it would consider suitable opportunities further afield.

A dedicated centre would allow the organisation to improve its facilities and increase the number of reptiles it can care for over time.

It would also give SRRC more opportunities to develop its educational work.

Alongside rescue and rehabilitation, the charity runs activities designed to improve understanding of reptiles, their behaviour, biology and specialist care requirements.

It also aims to challenge misconceptions surrounding reptiles and encourage responsible ownership.

Benjamin added: “We have ambitious plans for the future, but those plans depend on finding the right home.

“We're not expecting someone necessarily to hand us a ready-made reptile rescue centre. We are looking for people who are willing to have a conversation with us and explore what might be possible.

“Sometimes charities find their homes because one person sees an appeal and knows exactly the right person to speak to. That is why sharing this campaign could be just as valuable as having a property yourself.”

Anyone who owns or manages land, buildings or facilities which could potentially provide a home for the Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is being encouraged to contact the charity.

SRRC is also asking people who may know suitable landowners, businesses or organisations to help spread the appeal.

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